Santoro turns on magic, leaves Goran gasping -- relive IPTL's best match that made it proud

INDIAN ACES’ FABRICE SANTORO has arguably been the best player in the legends category in the ongoing International Premier Tennis League (IPTL). In fact, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that the Frenchman has been the corner-stone of the Aces squad.

The energy in the match also helped IPTL underline the fact that is is competitive tennis, though in a new format, and not some exhibition tour of has-been greats and current stars during their off-season.

During his ATP Tour days, Santoro was known as the “Magician” across the tennis fraternity. From unconventional forehands, formidable backhands, slices to exquisite volleys, Santoro could come up with dream shots with aplomb. His deceptive shot-making, ball anticipation and quickness on the court left many greats absolutely perplexed. 

Post retirement in 2010, Santoro has featured in a few exhibition matches across the world and has continued to entertain and thrill fans with his old-school tricks. The Indian Aces’ captain is enjoying his stint by playing in the unique IPTL format and has so far yielded the desired results. 

Locking horns against Goran Ivanisevic of the UAE Royals in New Delhi a few days back, Santoro produced yet another magical performance from his racquet to snatch a win from the jaws of victory. Santoro started with trademark drop shots and slices, but Ivanisevic did well to hold serve to start the first game.

After the initial stages, both men were locked at 2-2, but in the fifth game, the Croat came up with some stunning shots to break his opposite number for a 4-2 lead. 

A few games later at 5-3, Ivanisevic was serving for the set, but under immense pressure, Santoro displayed some unbelievable defensive skills and rattled Royals’ captain and broke to narrow the lead 4-5(on serve). From there on, Santoro got into a roll and came up with some series of jaw-dropping winners that got the entire stadium on its feet (including team-mate Rafael Nadal). The 43-year-old kept producing gems from all corners of the court and went on a rampage. 

A visibly flustered Ivanisevic could do nothing but applaud the brilliance and artistry of his opponent. In a remarkable turn of events, Santoro leveled the match at 5-5 and forced the set into a shoot-out. Teasing volleys, cheeky lobs and line-painting winners continued to flow from the racquet of Santoro in the shoot-out and suddenly the Aces’ showman stood at set point. 

In the end, Santoro won four games in a row to beat Ivanisevic (6-5) in the shootout to clinch arguably the best set of the tournament. Santoro might have retired from the ATP tour, but still possess all the craftiness and temperament to eke out some memorable wins. 

Such was the quality of Santoro's tennis, fans across the globe took to Twitter to express their feelings and showered plenty of praises on the Frenchman. Take a look…

@fabsantoro72 Magician! I just ♥ your game against Goran Ivanisevic today! You are truly a magician! :-D Want to meet you soon!

— Siring Adol Caur (@23july_twin1) December 12, 2015

'The Magician' @fabsantoro72 showing his sheer magic to every one in Delhi... #IPTL #BreakTheCode pic.twitter.com/IezI8wo0eh

— Vibhu batra (@VIBHUISM) December 13, 2015

Rafa applauding French Magician 😄👏👏👏🇫🇷 #IPTL2 #Santoro #Nadal #Aces pic.twitter.com/eRzsnXVilI

— ぷー@VamosRafa (@pooo_9248) December 13, 2015

@fabsantoro72 It was awesome watching you in action yesterday. The most entertaining match of the IPTL. Take a bow!

— Optimist (@dbsbhnde) December 13, 2015

Thank u @fabsantoro72 for giving India a world class tennis spectacle.What a comeback from 5-2 set down to win the set 6-5. #Aces #IPTL2

— Ankit Bera (@Ankit_Bera) December 13, 2015

Fabrice Santoro, TAKE A BOW! This guy is playing as well as he was a decade ago. Just awesome @fabsantoro72 @iptl pic.twitter.com/daWDtFPZcw

— Nick Leone (@NickyLeonski) December 13, 2015